CHILDHOOD EXPOSURE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS WIFE BEATING IN ADULT LIFE: A STUDY OF MEN IN INDIA

Authors:

YING ZHU, KOUSTUV DALAL

Source:

Journal of Biosocial Science, (2010) 42, 255–269

Topic(s):

Domestic violence

Country:

Asia
India

Published:

2010

Abstract:

Summary. This study examined men’s justification of wife beating in relation
to their perceived rights and autonomy using a nationally representative
sample of 18,047 men in India with childhood exposure to parental violence.
Five reasons for wife beating justification, four items of men’s perceived
rights, and five items of household autonomy were analysed using 2 test and
logistic regression. Among 18,047 participants, 67% justified wife beating.
Low education, economic stress and being unmarried were generally more
associated with justifying wife beating for all five reasons. Wife’s refusal of
sex and husband’s final say on household autonomy are risk factors. Joint
autonomy on household decision making and wife’s autonomy on managing
her own earnings are protective factors. Perceived relationship rights and
autonomy are highly predictive of wife-beating justification for the men who
have been exposed to parental violence during childhood. The study has
significant implications for public health planners and education strategies.

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